Innocent Joselyne Bennett loves her quiet life. As an elementary teacher her days include teaching kids then going home to research fun science projects to add to her lesson plan. Her only excitement is living vicariously through her sister Lorali and friend Alexa Warner.

Incredibly gorgeous police detective Kaleb Perez was going through the motions of life. His position on the force as a narcotics detective forced him to cross paths with Josie after a shooting involving her friend.

On more than one occasion Kaleb discreetly tried to catch Josie’s eye. On every occasion he was ignored but when her hand is forced after a break-in at her apartment Josie and Kaleb are on a collision course with each other. Formerly timid Josie is coaxed out of her shell by the sexy-as-sin Kaleb who nurtures her inner sex-kitten in the most seductive ways, and replaces her inexperience with passionate need.

The small group has overcome so much in such a short period of time and just when they think they can settle back into their lives they are forced back into the unknown. Can Kaleb protect Josie from further tragedy? Can she let him go once the threat of danger is gone?

This is a standalone contemporary novel. The next book in the Hale Series: To Hale and Back is the conclusion of the series and in the point of view of all six characters.

Recommended for readers 18 and up due to strong language and explicit sexual content.

Excerpt

“How long do you think you can hold out, Mariposa?” I’m teasing her now, no way I’ll attempt to touch her again since she’s told me no.

She shrugs her shoulder and gives me a sly smile. “Can I hold you tonight?” I ask again, switching gears away from my desire to have her sit on my face.

“Please.” She answers.

I hold my hand out to her as I stand and grab her clothes off of the table. I tug her towards my bedroom, turning off lights as we go. I can hear Mia making her way behind us, knowing she will settle down again on her bed in the corner of my room for the night.

“I didn’t pack sleep clothes,” I inform Josie as we step into my room. “I guess you’ll just have to sleep naked.”

She steps away from me and just as I think she’s about to protest, she reaches behind her, lowers the zipper on her skirt, and lets it fall to the ground. She’s facing the bed and the sight of her beautiful back, narrow hips, and smooth legs make me groan.

When she bends over to pick her skirt up off the floor my cock jumps in my pants. Instinctively my hand reaches down and grips it. “That’s fine.” She replies as she walks her skirt to me and drops it on top of her other clothing in my hand.

I growl at her, drop her clothes on the dresser, and pull out a t-shirt. A very large t-shirt. One that ensures nothing will be peeking out once she has it on. “On second thought,” I say as I hand it over to her. She giggles and pulls it on over her head. It almost hits her at her knees. Much better.

She saunters back in front of me and reaches for the buttons on my shirt. “Josie.” I admonish mildly.

“Shhh, Kaleb. I heard what you said earlier.” She reaches up on her tip toes and kisses my chin. “You’re overdressed.”

I stand stock still and let her unbutton my shirt. She runs her tiny, warm hands up my stomach and over my pecs, causing my muscles to bunch. I’m thick and hard as steel in my pants, and there’s no sense in even trying to hide it. She knows I want her.

Author Bio

Marie James, full-time working mother of two boys and wife of 11 years. I've spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. I've always wanted to write novels and just recently had the gumption to sit down and start one. My passions include reading everything under the sun and sewing. I even listen to audio books while sewing. Hot as Hale is book 3 in the 4 book Hale Series.

I have several other story lines worked out for other books once this series is complete. Reading and writing is my happy place.